Sworders are delighted and honoured to present a selection of chairs from the Frederick Parker Collection in their June Fine Interiors sale.
2 June 2026
VIEW COLLECTION REQUEST A VALUATION CONTACT A SPECIALIST
Occupying a significant and well-known place within the antique furniture sphere, this collection has been educating those with an interest in the design, style and historical context of antique chairs for decades. The collection was formed between 1900 and 1930 by Frederick Parker & Sons, the forerunner of Parker Knoll, the internationally known brand.
Left: Frederick Parker (1845-1927) | Right: Frederick Parker & Sons Advertising Board, early 20th century
The early 20th century witnessed a growing market for reproduction antique furniture. In response to this, Frederick Parker sourced a wide variety of original antique pieces as reference models for his workforce to copy and learn from. The collection eventually grew to over 300 chairs, dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
By 1997 the collection’s role had shifted from commercial to educational and the Frederick Parker Foundation was established to ensure its future. Between 2002 and 2025 much of it, along with a considerable archive, was on loan as a teaching resource to London Metropolitan University. It continued to flourish with a range of mid-century and contemporary examples being added to it.
A George III upholstered bergère armchair in the manner of Thomas Chippendale, c.1770 (£1,500-2,000)
Owned by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers since 2013, the core collection is soon to go on show at the East London Furniture Institute in Docklands, where researchers and other visitors will continue to be welcome.
The present offering of chairs presents a unique opportunity to acquire pieces from this renowned and celebrated collection. With first-class provenance, high aesthetic merit and a compelling history, we hope these chairs can continue to inspire and be cherished for generations to come.
A late George III painted beech armchair, circa 1780 (£800-1,200)
Further information on the Frederick Parker Collection and Archive can be found at frederickparkercollection.org.uk
fineinteriors@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778
Through a compelling series of photographs, this exhibition shines a light on The HALO Trust’s work in communities affected by conflict, capturing both the danger of landmine clearance and the hope that follows when land can be safely used again.
3 September 2026
The term ‘Company School’ refers to a genre of painting that emerged in India in the late 18th and 19th centuries, flourishing under the patronage of British East India Company officials, their families, and other European residents in India.
28 August 2026
Art dealer, curator, gallerist and author James Birch has spent more than four decades championing artists and staging groundbreaking exhibitions. This October, approximately 300 works from his private collection come to auction at Sworders, tracing a remarkable career from the King’s Road to Moscow and beyond.